NBA Draft Order Set

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery for the second time in three years. Of course the last time the Cavaliers had the top pick, they selected Duke’s Kyrie Irving. Although the point guard has struggled to stay healthy, he has proven to be a pretty great pick when he’s on the court.

The Orlando Magic got the second pick, while the Washington Wizards were handed the third pick. The poor Charlotte Bobcats, who just can’t seem to catch a break, will pick fourth, followed by the Phoenix Suns.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Cleveland does. Nerlens Noel has remained the top pick on most mock drafts despite his injury. However, do the Cavaliers need another center? They already have Anderson Varejao and Tyler Zeller. Maybe. The former has struggled to stay on the court (just 50 games over the last two seasons). The latter isn’t considered a NBA starting center, so Noel’s could be a good pick. However, this is also a team that really could use a small forward, but is first overall pick too early for Otto Porter?

Now this is an ACC blog, so how does this effect the us?

First and foremost, this could be good news for Alex Len. The former Maryland center is out after having surgery, which is never good news. Yet, the Washington Wizards are desperate for a center, so there is a good chance Len could be the third overall pick.

Also in the lottery, I suspect Syracuse’s Michael Carter-Williams to fall to Dallas, even though mocks might have him earlier. Note: I know he never played in the ACC, but it’s time to start treating the old Big East teams like they belong.

Are you looking for a surprise? How about Shane Larkin next? I’m full of shit, right? Word is, his size impressed the scouts and we all know size matters to those guys.

Duke’s Mason Plumlee could have a great workout and like this brother last year, it could move him up in the draft. The same could be said for Steve Adams. I think one will sneak into the lottery, because the Thunder should be looking for a center at the 12th pick. Right now, my money is on Adams or Jeff Withey.

For Mason, the Hawks would be a good fit, but I like Cleveland. If the Cavaliers really do skip on Noel with the top pick, then they can take a chance on Plumlee with the 19th pick. If they do take Noels, then I don’t see Mason falling below Chicago, one pick later.

The only two other ACC players I see landing in round one are North Carolina’s Reggie Bullock and N.C. State’s C.J. Leslie and Lorenzo Brown. Obviously needs will play a part, but I like either the Clippers or Nuggets to grab Bullock.

6 Comments

Hard to believe someone would not take a second round flyer on Curry or Kelly. Also, with Southerland’s shooting range someone should take him in the second round. Woodall belongs in the long shot grouping.